9 June 2009

Media Releases

The Stanley Mills water mill complex beside the River Tay has picked up a fifth accolade for excellence in conservation. The recent Scottish Design Awards 2009 saw it take the title for the best re-use of a listed building. Judges made the award to LDN Architects – hired by Historic Scotland to create a visitor and education centre in the oldest parts of the complex – the Bell Mill and the Mid Mill.

9 June 2009

Media Releases

Scotland’s wealth of wonderful heritage sites provides outstanding learning opportunities for all ages, and an extensive programme of Historic Scotland initiatives is designed to make the most of this unique educational resource. One of the most innovative is the Junior Tour Guide scheme operated by Historic Scotland’s Education Unit. Based on involving children and developing long-term partnerships with primary schools, this involves training pupils to deliver guided tours of their local historic site to visiting primary school groups. The scheme has proved extremely popular at a number of historic sites throughout the country including Edinburgh Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Claypotts Castle, Stanley Mills and Iona Abbey. And now it is being extended to include The Western Isles with Junior Guides at the Black House at Arnol.

3 June 2009

Media Releases

Michael Russell, Culture Minister, said: “The application concerning the Odeon on Clerk Street has attracted a lot of attention, from both those who would like to see its auditorium retained and those who believe it should be adapted for a new use. The last thing I would want to see is for this process to go on indefinitely, but this is a complex case and it is important that all aspects of the application are fully and independently considered to determine the best way forward. It is for that reason I have called in this application for decision by Scottish Ministers."

2 June 2009

Media Releases

A hand-carved replica set of the Stirling Heads – world-famous masterpieces of Scottish Renaissance art – is about to be unveiled. The unveiling, by Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution, Michael Russell MSP, marks the completion of five years’ work for expert wood carver John Donaldson. The 41 oak medallions, each a metre wide, are copies of 16th-century originals and feature vivid depictions of a variety of characters including Medieval kings and queens, Roman emperors and mythological heroes.

1 June 2009

Media Releases

The dark days and dramatic events of the 17th century are revisited at Urquhart Castle on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th June when the formidable stronghold overlooking the waters of Loch Ness once again comes under siege. Visitors will be taken back to the mid-1640s to witness how the opposing forces of Highlanders and Lowlanders, Covenanters and Royalists battled for control of the strategically-located medieval fortress. The Historic Scotland ‘Under Siege’ event gives visitors the opportunity to tour the castle’s defences and besiegers’ camp, meet characters from both sides and hear why each was so committed to their cause. And there’s also a chance to learn about the fearsome weaponry of the period – the pikes, muskets, swords and cannons – and experience their might first-hand.